The 1950s

Year 11 Media
The 1950s
• The 1950s were a decade where entertainment media became
far more accessible. With little over 9% of homes within the
United States owning a television at the start of the decade,
compared to the 86% who owned one by the end of the
decade.

• It is important to recognise and understand the important

events, societal change and values that were upheld by most
people of the time.
Political
• The United States was involved in the Cold War. A military
tension based war against the USSR.
• The Korean War took place between 1950-1953.
• Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower had terms as the
President of the United States through the 1950s.
• Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister,
began his reign.
• Senator Joseph McCarthy became the face of anti-communism
activities. Creating hysteria and fear of communism and
‘Russian sympathisers’.
Social
• With military commitments coming to a close, men recognised
that their duty was now required at home and to their
families.
• Women who had taken to the workforce were returning to
their roles as homemaker.
• The idea of the ‘American Dream’ returned.
• People valued family.
• People were very patriotic.
• Racial minorities began to take active steps towards equality.
• Social conservatism and comfort were valued.
The Arts
• A rise of sci-fi films. This relates to the manifestation of
peoples fears of communism.
• Rock ‘n’ Roll becomes a popular genre of music.
• Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry are amongst the
most popular musicians.
• Fantasy series ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Chronicles of
Narnia’ are published.
• Hollywood continued to rise, with films become more epic.
• James Stewart, Kim Novak, Marlon Brando, James Dean,
Charlton Heston, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly established
themselves as some of the most popular stars of the time.
The 1950s
• Although the 1950s are often recognised as a more
conservative and ‘traditionalist’ decade, a lot of exciting
events occurred.

• When viewing any form of media from a different decade

students should consider the historical context in which they
were produced. This allows students to gain an understanding
as to how it was originally meant to be interpreted and
compare it against their interpretation today.
Advertisement Analysis
• Observe the previous advertisement.
• Identify the product being advertised.
• Who is the target audience? How do you know?
• In regards to technical aspects, identify how you
know this is an advertisement from the 1950s.
• Analyse how this advertisement reflects the values
and attitudes of Western society in the 1950s.
• Refer to the social, political and artistic events of the
decade.